Councillor Update, October 2026, Cllr John Taylor (Reform UK)
A month in the life of your Wardle, Shore & West Littleborough Councillors
by Councillor John Taylor
Well, it's been another busy month, and as always, there's plenty going on across our wonderful part of the borough. From Full Council debates and school places to speeding, allotments, planning applications and the everyday issues that matter to residents, there's certainly never a dull moment!
I thought I'd share a few updates and give you a little insight into what we've been up to on your behalf.
FULL COUNCIL – PUTTING LOCAL PRIORITIES FIRST
Together with colleagues in my group, we presented a motion to the October meeting of Full Council.
In the simplest terms, we want to rescind the borough's commitment to the climate emergency and concentrate our resources on two issues that I believe should be our immediate priorities: the cost-of-living crisis and the declared housing emergency.
I appreciate this is an emotive subject and one that generates strong opinions. My position, however, is very clear.
Of course, our climate is changing, but I question what tangible difference we, as a local authority, can realistically make. Carbon emissions have reduced across the borough, but much of that reduction has come through improvements in construction methods and more efficient vehicles.
Every time I've stood for election, I've made a commitment to fight for our area. For me, that means making sure the Rochdale pound is spent on priorities that have a direct and immediate impact on the lives of local people.
I fully respect those who take a different view, but I will always argue that local residents and the challenges they face must come first.
PENNINES TOWNSHIP – COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT ITS BEST
Our latest Pennines Township meeting was another busy one, and it was particularly pleasing to consider the various funding applications from local community groups.
These groups do some fantastic work, often with very limited resources, and it's always a pleasure to support projects that make a real difference to people's lives.
A massive thank you to everyone involved. Our communities are all the better for what you do.
The shortage of secondary school places
One issue that generated considerable discussion was the projected availability of school places across Pennines.
There is cross-party concern, and rightly so.
My view is simple: every child should have the opportunity to attend a secondary school reasonably close to home. At present, there simply aren't enough places in Pennines, and I don't think that's good enough.
Figures presented for Rochdale as a whole can disguise the real problem in our township. I was certainly not alone in challenging the way these figures are presented. We need information that reflects what's actually happening on the ground, not statistics that paint a misleading picture.
I understand a government decision on a new secondary school in Littleborough is imminent. Fingers crossed we get some positive news. Our children and families deserve better.
Speeding on Todmorden Road
We also spent considerable time discussing speeding from Dean Head along Todmorden Road.
Road safety has been a particular passion of mine for many years. I spent the first 21 years of my life living up Summit, so I know this road and the surrounding area extremely well.
I was therefore very happy to support proposals aimed at making this stretch safer. Dangerous driving is something we should never simply accept as part of everyday life.
WHAT'S KEEPING ME BUSY LOCALLY?
I have several significant pieces of casework on the go at the moment, so here's a snapshot of some of the issues I'm working on.
1. ROAD SAFETY – AND THE BATTLE OF THE YELLOW LINES!
Many will know this is something I'm particularly passionate about.
I previously pushed for speed humps on Birch Road and Ramsden Road, and I'm pleased to say they've made a real difference. Complaints about speeding along those sections have all but disappeared.
Now I'd like to see similar measures introduced along Wardle Road. We have funding available for perhaps two or three sets of speed humps from Law Flat downwards.
So what's the problem?
Following a site meeting with Highways officers, I've been told that each speed hump must be accompanied by 20 metres of double yellow lines.
I'm afraid I'm not convinced!
The whole point is to make the road safer, not to create unnecessary parking problems for residents. I simply don't see why these yellow lines are essential and have challenged the requirement.
I'm determined to find a sensible solution that improves road safety without inconveniencing people who live there.
Watch this space!
2. WARDLE ALLOTMENTS – TIME FOR A FRESH START
The allotments behind Little Sparks Nursery are, quite frankly, in a very sorry state.
They should be a wonderful community asset and a source of enjoyment for residents, but at present they need a complete clear-out.
I'm working with council officers to identify the funding needed to get the job done.
I'd love to see these allotments given a new lease of life and restored to something the village can be proud of.
3. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
We're dealing with a long-standing complaint involving anti-social behaviour and people smoking drugs.
Having spoken to residents, it's clear this has been an intermittent problem for many years.
Nobody should have to put up with behaviour that affects their enjoyment of their own home and neighbourhood. I genuinely want to see an end to it.
I have a very similar issue just off Birch Road, and again, I'm keen to find a lasting solution for those affected.
Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour isn't confined to one particular location. It crops up across the ward, and every situation has its own challenges.
I'll continue working with residents, council officers and the relevant authorities because people deserve to feel safe and comfortable in their own neighbourhoods.
4. HOUSING – SOME REALLY DIFFICULT CASES
I've been contacted by several people over recent weeks who are desperately trying to find suitable accommodation.
Their circumstances vary, from single mothers struggling to find somewhere appropriate to vulnerable adults currently living in accommodation that simply doesn't meet their needs.
These are not easy situations, and behind every enquiry is somebody who needs help.
Housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our borough, and these individual cases are a reminder of just how important it is that we get to grips with the problem.
5. THE WARDLE FLAGS – FINDING A LONG-TERM SOLUTION
The lamp-post flags in Wardle continue to be an emotive subject!
Together with Phil, I'm working with the 'Flag 5' group to see whether we can find a long-term solution.
It's important that we keep talking and try to reach an outcome that everyone can support.
6. PLANNING – NEVER A QUIET MONTH!
I don't think a month ever goes by without several planning enquiries landing on my desk.
As many of you know, I've been very vocal about planning matters for years, and it's an area I continue to take a close interest in.
The good news is that there are no further large-scale developments currently to be considered, although the smaller applications continue to take several months to resolve, particularly when enforcement action is involved.
On the subject of planning, I arranged for representatives from the Scout Moor Two group to give my team a briefing earlier this week.
Why should residents in our ward be interested?
Well, if the proposals go ahead, around a dozen turbines, each standing at more than 200 metres tall – higher than Blackpool Tower – could be erected.
That's quite a sight, and they would be visible for miles. It's clearly an issue that deserves our attention, and I wanted my team to have a proper understanding of the proposals.
KEEPING UP TO SPEED
Being a councillor isn't just about attending meetings and dealing with casework. There's also a responsibility to keep learning and developing.
My two most recent training sessions covered diversity and inclusion, followed by a fascinating hour-and-a-half briefing on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Police, Crime and Fire Panel.
I've very recently become a member of this panel, so it was particularly useful.
And then, of course, there are the everyday issues: missed bins, litter, grass cutting and the various things that residents rightly expect the council to get right.
We regularly raise these with council managers. They might seem like small issues, but if it's affecting your street or your neighbourhood, it matters. And it shouldn't be happening in the first place!
REMEMBRANCE – NEVER FORGOTTEN
Between Sunday and yesterday, I had the privilege of attending four Remembrance events in Rochdale, Shore, Wardle and Littleborough.
These are incredibly important occasions in our calendar. They give us all an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
It is always a privilege to attend and pay our respects.
A LITTLE BIT OF PINK!
And finally, something uplifting to finish on!
We also had the pleasure of judging Little Pink Borough. A huge well done to all the shops that took part, and especially to Cath and Andy.
What an incredible couple! Between them, they've raised literally hundreds of thousands of pounds for cancer research and support.
That's an amazing achievement, and they deserve enormous credit for their hard work, dedication and commitment.
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
As you can see, there's plenty going on, and I've only scratched the surface!
Being a local councillor means dealing with everything from major planning issues and road safety to the seemingly small problems that can make a big difference to someone's everyday life.
I don't claim to have all the answers, and not every issue can be resolved overnight, but I can promise that I will keep asking questions, challenging decisions and fighting for our area.
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me, raised an issue, offered an opinion or simply stopped for a chat. It's always appreciated.
